Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, said the reason Republicans had moved Littleton in with DeGette and Aurora voters in with Coffman at one point was to appease Democrats but that didn’t seem to be working so they went back to earlier maps.

Balmer’s new proposal was a “strike below,” meaning it was a substitute for the map the GOP touted last week when it was unveiled.

“We believe of all the maps that have been introduced, this is by far the best map for Colorado,” Balmer said at the time.

That map was the ninth map from Republicans since both parties first unveiled their maps April 15. Both said have ripped the other sides’ maps.

The legislature is charged with redrawing congressional boundaries every 10 years to reflect population shifts. Unless lawmakers can reach an agreement by the time the session ends Wednesday, a special session might be called or the issue could go to a judge.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.